Water characteristics measurement apparatus

Abstract

An integrated measurement device for measuring multiple characteristics of water is provided. The device comprises: an inlet for receiving water and an outlet for the water to exit, defining a waterway therebetween; first, second, third and fourth measurement means for measuring flow speed, pressure, temperature and total dissolved solids level of the water, respectively, integrated in the measurement device as a single unit; water flow stabilising means in the waterway for increasing stability of water flow of the water whilst flowing through the waterway, wherein the water flow stabilising means comprises a flow spacer configured to produce a substantially laminar flow in the water and located in the waterway directly upstream of the first measurement means, and outputting means for digitally outputting measurement data measured by the first to fourth measurement means.

Description

[0001] WATER CHARACTERISTICS MEASUREMENT APPARATUS

[0002] Technical field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for measuring the characteristics of water.

[0004] Background

[0005] Plumbers and heating engineers often need to measure the characteristics of water in the course of their assignments, such as water flowing from a tap or water in a tank. Some typical examples of the types of measurements which are taken are water characteristics such as flow rate, pressure, temperature and water hardness, just to name a few. There are many and various reasons for such measurements to be obtained, including but not limited to: diagnostics of issues within a plumbing / pipe system, assessing the performance of a water system, assisting the specification of a system, ensuring that correct safety measures are in place (such as correct regulation of water temperature), allowing the specification of a water boosting solution, determining the hardness / TDS of water (and if a water softener or similar device is required), commissioning an installation, replacing existing equipment, and inspecting a previous repair.

[0006] Currently, in order to measure the flow rate, pressure, temperature and hardness / TDS of the water, there are “analogue” and “digital” methods and products available, some methods being more accurate than others. For example, a flow / weir cup, pressure gauge, thermometer and TDS / hardness meter, are known appliances used for measuring water flow, pressure, temperature and water quality / hardness, respectively.

[0007] However, these are all standalone devices. Four separate devices are required to measure all four of these key attributes of a water source. The greater the number of devices required is, the less efficient the job of a plumber / engineer becomes, as he / she needs to switch around equipment and manually noting results individually whilst, for example, the water keeps running from a faucet. Speed of completion of measurements during a job is vital in this service industry. The plumber / engineer also needs to carry all the necessary devices around the site and between sites in their vehicle, even if a specific job does not require all the different types of measurements to be made, and this reduces the physical space to store and transport other equipment and materials for plumbing and water system repairment, maintenance and building purposes. A compact, “all-in-one” device for measuring multiple aspects of water accurately, and displaying them conveniently, would therefore be highly desirable, allowing for speedy, convenient and reliable professional diagnosis and specification of a water system.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a measurement device for measuring characteristics of water, comprising: an inlet for receiving water and an outlet for the water to exit, defining a waterway therebetween; first, second, third and fourth measurement means for measuring a first, second, third and fourth characteristic of the water in the measurement device, respectively, wherein the first, second, third and fourth characteristic is flow speed, pressure, temperature and hardness of the water, respectively, and wherein first, second, third and fourth measurement means are integrated in the measurement device as a single unit; and outputting means for digitally outputting measurement data measured by the first to fourth measurement means. Preferably, it also includes water flow stabilising means in the waterway for increasing stability of water flow of the water whilst flowing through the waterway, wherein the water flow stabilising means comprises a flow spacer component / module configured to produce a substantially laminar flow in the water (after the water passes through the flow spacer) and located in the waterway directly upstream of the first measurement means,

[0010] Preferably, the fourth measurement means is a TDS meter or sensor that measures a level or amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water, providing an indication of the hardness of the water.

[0011] Preferably, each of the first to fourth measurement means is configured to measure the respective first to fourth characteristic digitally, and / or within a respective first to fourth predetermined range. Preferably, the second and / or third measurement means are configured to measure the respective second and / or third characteristic of the water in the measurement device when the water is flowing through the waterway, i.e. there is dynamic water flow above a predetermined flow speed threshold.

[0012] Preferably, the measurement device further comprises a flow control means configured to temporarily stop the water from exiting at the outlet and thus from flowing through the waterway, i.e. water inside the device is static or substantially static. Preferably, the flow control means is integrated with the measurement device and operable to be toggled between an open configuration and a closed configuration to allow the water to flow through the waterway or be trapped in the waterway, respectively. Preferably, the flow control means is a detachable unit of the measurement device, wherein the water is trapped in the waterway when it is not in place and the water flows through the waterway when it is removed.

[0013] Preferably, the outputting means only outputs measurement data measured by the fourth measurement means or the fourth measurement means only measures the fourth characteristic when water flow is stopped by the flow control means i.e. water is static in the device.

[0014] Preferably, the second measurement means is configured to measure a dynamic pressure of the water when the water is flowing through the waterway and to measure a static pressure of the water when the water is trapped in the waterway.

[0015] Preferably, the outputting means comprises an integrated digital display configured to receive and display the measurement data from the outputting means. Preferably, the outputting means is configured to send the measurement data to an external electronic device via wired means or wireless means, for displaying and / or recording of the measurement data.

[0016] Preferably, the measurement device is configured to be powered by one or more integrated or removable batteries and / or via a detachable cable connected to an external power source.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a flow speed, pressure, temperature and TDS level of water using the above measurement device while the water is present in the measurement device either dynamically or statically. Optionally, the method comprises temporarily attaching the measurement device to a source of the water over an extended period of time to allow time-dependent measurement data to be obtained.

[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method of measuring characteristics of water of a water system, comprising measuring one or more of a flow speed, pressure, temperature and TDS level of the water at a plurality of locations of the water system using a respective measurement device as mentioned above, and outputting the measurement data from each measurement device to a single external device.

[0019] In order that the present invention be more readily understood, various aspects of specific embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the attached drawings.

[0020] Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Fig. 1 is a side-on cross-sectional diagram of a water characteristics measurement device in accordance with an embodiment.

[0022] Figs. 2 A and 2B show two perspective views of the water characteristics measurement device from different angles.

[0023] Fig. 3 A shows a flow spacer device for use in the water characteristics measurement device in a perspective view.

[0024] Fig. 3B shows the flow spacer with a flow turbine in a perspective view.

[0025] Fig. 3C is a side-on cross-section diagram of part of the water characteristics measurement device showing the flow spacer in place.

[0026] Specific embodiments

[0027] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring water characteristics.

[0028] Various aspects of the invention are described below, with reference to a preferred arrangement illustrated in the drawings. Referring to Figs. 1, 2A and 2B, an apparatus 100 capable of measuring four different elements of water characteristics digitally in a single device is herein described. It is a handheld electronic device that is preferably battery-powered, and is configured to measure four elements - flow rate, pressure, temperature, and hardness (based on the level of total dissolved solids (TDS)) of water - at a single connection point to the water source, and to provide a digital output of the measurements.

[0029] When in use, the measurements are made by a combination of respective measuring / detection means integrated in the device 100.

[0030] The water to be tested enters the water characteristics measurement device via the inlet 102 shown at the top. It flows through a water way 104, which may be formed of brass, preferably including passing through a flow spacer arrangement 150 (to be described below).

[0031] Subsequently the water comes into contact with multiple measurement means. These include:

[0032] • means for measuring water flow rate, such as a flow meter, comprising flow turbine 110, and hall effect sensor 112 which senses the movement of the flow turbine;

[0033] • means for measuring water pressure, such as pressure transducer 120; this means is preferably configured to measure both the static pressure and the dynamic pressure of the water;

[0034] • means for measuring water temperature, such as thermistor 130; and

[0035] • means for measuring water hardness, such as a water hardness meter or more strictly speaking a TDS meter 140 - a measurement of the amount of TDS gives an indication of the hardness of water.

[0036] The water exits the device 100 at the outlet 106 shown at the bottom.

[0037] The measurement data can be logged by the device 100 and are operable to be output digitally by an outputting means after any appropriate digital processing (by processing means such as one or more processors / microprocessors in the device). For example, the outputting means comprises a display means 170 that displays the measurements, preferably in a real-time manner for any changes to be viewed by the user “live”. The display means may be a digital display or screen 170 that is integrated with the device 100. The measurement results may be displayed in a graphical style.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the outputting means comprises a connection point for connecting the water characteristics measurement device to be connected to an external device via a wired (wire / cable) or wireless connection, for the measurement data to be transferred to the external device to be displayed and / or logged.

[0039] Whether the data is displayed directly in the water characteristics measurement device 100 (via a digital screen 170) or at a connected external display or device, the device preferably comprises sufficient processing means to log the data over a period of time during which the device is in use, and a maximum and / or minimum value of one or more measured characteristics during that time can be attained and displayed.

[0040] The device 100 also preferably includes input means such as buttons 190 for the user to control and interact with the machine, such as powering on / off the device, controlling individual functionalities / measuring means, manipulating the display of data, controlling transfer of data, etc. The input means 190 may be provided as part of the display module 170.

[0041] The present water characteristic measurement device 100 preferably incorporates flow control means 160 to hold the water static (or substantially static) within the device when required. This may comprise a valve such as an isolation valve 160, which can be toggled between open and closed positions, via external handle 162 by the user. In Fig. 1, this is shown to be located in the water way 104 downstream of the measurement sensors, closer to the outlet 106. This feature allows the device to measure both the dynamic pressure (when water is flowing through the device) and the static pressure (when water is present within but not flowing through the device, i.e. trapped in the waterway), via the pressure transducer 120. Moreover, the measurement of water hardness / TDS, via the TDS sensor 140, is more accurate when it is taken in water that is stationary (i.e. not flowing). Optionally, the measurement device 100 only produces and displays a measurement value of hardness / TDS when it detects (via the flow rate measurement means) the presence of water but no flow (zero or close to zero) through the device; in other words, the display will not include a TDS reading among other readings if flowing water is detected.

[0042] Optionally, the measurement device 100 or the TDS detector 140 is configured to make compensations in TDS measurements in view of variations in temperature and / or pressure. Such variations in the water may affect the consistency or accuracy of the TDS measurement, for example when the measurement device is connected to a water outlet and there is a high water pressure. This may involve processing means in the device making a series of predetermined adjustments in the TDS reading before it is output or displayed to the user depending on the temperature and / or pressure of the water as measured by the respective relevant detector 130, 120 in the device. This helps to avoid reaching misleading conclusions on water quality.

[0043] The device may be powered by one or more integrated batteries 180 that are rechargeable. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises means (receptacle) for receiving one or more removable batteries 180. Alternatively or additionally, it is powered in use via a detachable cable connected to an external power source, such as a low -voltage source via USB cable. It is envisaged that both power options - by battery and by external power source via cable - are enabled in the same device for optimal flexibility and convenience.

[0044] In use, the device 100 is to be connected to a water source, typically at an outlet such as a tap or faucet to allow water to enter, pass through and exit the device. Additionally or alternatively, the device may be configured to be incorporated into a water source to allow the water to pass through the device and then carry on in the original water source or “inline”. One or more adaptors can be used to allow connection of the device to a variety of water outlet types. In all cases, it is envisaged that the device 100 can be attached and activated over an extended period of time to allow time-dependent data to be collected, for further analysis, particularly of variations of the water characteristics in time. For example, this data can be transferred to an external processing device to be logged, analysed and / or displayed. It is also envisaged that multiple units of the water characteristics measurement device are used at multiple locations of a water system, and are connected (in real time or at a subsequent time) to a single external device so that respective data can be collated, and analysed / logged / displayed together.

[0045] In this way, relevant data can thus be gathered from a site or even multiple sites to assist identifying or specifying the plumbing or engineering situation and suitable solution.

[0046] Flow spacer technology

[0047] If water flow through the water characteristics measurement device 100 is unstable, measurements may not be accurately measured. For example, flow rate results may show significant variations when measured at different pressures, compared to an external measuring apparatus. It is therefore desirable to include water stabilisation capabilities in the device.

[0048] As illustrated in Figs. 3A to 3C, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, within the waterway 104 of the measurement device 100, there is preferably provided flow stabilising means 150, through which all the water entering the device must pass, prior to coming into contact or interacting with the various sensing and measurement parts 110, 112, 120, 130, 140 of the device. This flow stabiliser unit preferably comprises a flow spacer arrangement 150, located in the water way upstream of the flow turbine / Hall effect sensor 110, 112 and other sensors. It may be located immediately before the flow turbine and in contact therewith, or may merely be close to it upstream. It is configured to change the water flow pattern, whilst not affecting the water flow or pressure (i.e. not boosting or increasing water flow). More specifically, when water enters 302 and passes through or over this flow spacer unit 150, turbulence and variations in the flow are minimised, and the water leaves 304 with a laminar flow or a flow with higher laminarity than otherwise “untreated”. This allows a much more stable water flow, and accordingly a more stable, accurate and repeatable measurement of the actual flow rate regardless of the pressure of the flow. It may also, on the other hand, allow a more reliable measurement of the pressure regardless of the flow rate.

[0049] A preferred embodiment of the flow spacer module 150 is herein described, corresponding to Figs. 3A to 3C. The flow space module comprises a plurality of fins, preferably six to ten fins but in the present illustrated example eight fins, preferably in a regular radially symmetric arrangement, and acts as a funnel channelling the water flow to the turbine blades 110. All fins are preferably identical, and each is tapered in shape - narrower at the top (in the direction of the waterway inlet 102) and wider at the bottom (in the direction of the flow turbine 110 and the device outlet 106), resulting in a roughly trapezoidal or triangular shape, with the vertical straight edge on the outside so the flow spacer has an overall cylindrical outer profile shape, whose axis is parallel to that of the waterway and its walls. The fins are connected to each other at the top by an annular upper part and also at the lower part of the fins where they are widest and pointing radially inward towards each other.

[0050] The fins have been configured and oriented in such a way that they gradually straighten the flow, causing minimal obstruction to the flow. By channelling the water, the flow spacer 150 enables the turbine 110 to pick up the same flow rate regardless of the pressure; for example, whether the flow going into the turbine is 6 litres per minute at 1 bar pressure or 6 litres per minute at greater than 1 bar pressure 112, the turbine will pick up the same flow rate by having the same frequency. The flow spacer and its component features are shaped and dimensioned (in terms of height, profile, angles and number of fins, for instance) to optimally achieve the advantages of enabling repeatable, precise readings for preferred ranges of flow rates and pressures (for example 0.7 to 30 litres per minute and 0 to 10 bar pressure), but without unnecessary complexity to allow for cost-effective manufacturing.

[0051] Apart from reducing turbulence within the flow of the water and producing laminar flow directing the flow directly into the turbine 110, the flow spacer arrangement 150 also advantageously allows the turbine to activate at a lower flow rate than without the device, thus increasing the accuracy of measurements at lower flow rates.

[0052] Preferably, the flow spacer 150 is configured such that the water can only flow through it in one way (monodirectional flow in the waterway). If the water does flow through the device in the opposite direction to the intended direction, the water flow stabilising unit will have a negligible or even negative effect on the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements. The flow spacer part should therefore only be inserted into the measurement device in the correct orientation. The flow spacer may be an integral part of the device 100 or a removable component.

[0053] The present invention is not to be limited by the above-described aspects and embodiments, and that many variations are within the scope of the appended claims. The various aspects and embodiments may be combined if necessary and appropriate. The drawings serve as exemplary illustrations of the invention only, to aid understanding of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A measurement device for measuring characteristics of water, comprising: an inlet for receiving water and an outlet for the water to exit, defining a waterway therebetween, first, second, third and fourth measurement means for measuring a first, second, third and fourth characteristic of the water in the measurement device, respectively, wherein the first, second, third and fourth characteristic is flow speed, pressure, temperature and total dissolved solids (TDS) level of the water, respectively, and wherein first, second, third and fourth measurement means are integrated in the measurement device as a single unit, water flow stabilising means in the waterway for increasing stability of water flow of the water whilst flowing through the waterway, wherein the water flow stabilising means comprises a flow spacer configured to produce a substantially laminar flow in the water and located in the waterway directly upstream of the first measurement means, and outputting means for digitally outputting measurement data measured by the first to fourth measurement means.

2. The measurement device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first to fourth measurement means is configured to measure the respective first to fourth characteristic digitally, and / or within a respective first to fourth predetermined range.

3. The measurement device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and / or third measurement means are configured to measure the respective second and / or third characteristic of the water in the measurement device when the water is flowing through the waterway.

4. The measurement device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a flow control means configured to temporarily stop the water from exiting at the outlet and thus from flowing through the waterway.

5. The measurement device according to claim 4, wherein the flow control means is integrated with the measurement device and operable to be toggled between an open configuration and a closed configuration to allow the water to flow through the waterway or be trapped in the waterway, respectively.

6. The measurement device according to claim 4, wherein the flow control means is a detachable unit of the measurement device, wherein the water is trapped in the waterway when it is not in place and the water flows through the waterway when it is removed.

7. The measurement device according to claims 4 to 6, wherein the outputting means is configured to output measurement data measured by the fourth measurement means only when water flow is stopped by the flow control means.

8. The measurement device according to claims 4 to 7, wherein the second measurement means is configured to measure a dynamic pressure of the water when the water is flowing through the waterway and to measure a static pressure of the water when the water is trapped in the waterway.

9. The measurement device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outputting means comprises an integrated digital display configured to receive and display the measurement data from the outputting means.

10. The measurement device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outputting means is configured to send the measurement data to an external electronic device via wired means or wireless means, for displaying and / or recording of the measurement data.

11. The measurement device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measurement device is powered by one or more integrated or removable batteries, and / or powered via a detachable cable connected to an external power source.

12. A method of measuring a flow speed, pressure, temperature and TDS level of water using the measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 while the water is present in the measurement device either dynamically or statically.

13. The method according to claim 12, comprising temporarily attaching the measurement device to a source of the water over an extended period of time to allow time-dependent measurement data to be obtained.

14. A method of measuring characteristics of water of a water system, comprising measuring one or more of a flow speed, pressure, temperature and TDS level of the water at a plurality of locations of the water system using a respective measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and outputting the measurement data from each measurement device to a single external device.

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